[ He thinks it sounds fun? Fighting, killing? Gross. This man is no different from the wizards who threw away their humanity for the King of Ingary's stupid war. No wonder he's one of the pets.

But Howl is ever able to keep his true feelings close for the sake of propriety. He knows there are certain things expected of him here, at least for the time being, and he intends to at least attempt to meet those expectations. For his own sake.

So when he responds, he's cordial. Childe may be able to sense his reservations but what's important about decorum is the very appearance of it, not its genuineness. ]

I would not go so far as to say that I am making a "claim". If you truly find yourself with an opportunity to disable him, you should do so. There are only so many among us with the ability.